The Airborne Forces of the United States Army: Cornerstone of Force Projection.

Abstract

United States Army Airborne units will become increasingly important now that this country has transitioned to a national military strategy based on crisis response and force projection. The forced entry capability of an airborne force is unequaled and airborne units will play a major role in all contingency planning for the forseeable future. The capabilities of airborne units are understood in the army at large. However, contingency planning and execution necessitate that the joint service planner be clearly informed as to the unique capabilities and options that airborne units can provide in support of national objectives at the strategic and operational levels of war. This paper looks at the unique advantages that an airborne force can provide to the strategic and operational level planner and commander. Additionally, the limitations of the airborne force are examined in the spirit of keeping potential joint planners fully informed. Finally, the principle Mission Essential Task of the airborne force, the airfield seizure, is discussed using the elements of combat power as a guide.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 05, 1999
Accession Number
ADA363187

Entities

People

  • Randolph C. White Jr.

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Defense
  • Air Force
  • Army Rangers
  • Artillery
  • Combat Areas
  • Combat Forces
  • Combat Operations
  • Combat Support
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Deployment
  • Employment
  • Military Operations
  • Military Organizations
  • New York
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Military Science